Numbers 27

1. Then came, etc. By the custom of the nations with which the Hebrews were connected, daughters appear to have been deprived of all share in the paternal inheritance; which, when there was no son, went to the nearest kinsman (vers. 9-11) in the male line. The case of Zelophehad’s daughters gave occasion for an improvement, by the enactment of a law which divided the inheritance among daughters if there were no sons, making their children the genealogical representatives of their father’s house. Subsequently, in xxxvi., such heiresses are required to marry only into their own tribe, to prevent the alienation of any of its territory.

3 his own sin. Having been guilty of no offence which attainted his family, but having died like the rest of his generation. It is remarkable that failure of sons should have been so rare as to be mentioned only in this instance.

12. Abarim. “Abarim” was the name of the mountain-ridge on the east of the Jordan and the Dead Sea: see Deut. xxxiv. 1, and note.

15. Moses spake. It appears from Deut. iii. 23-28, that Moses petitioned again to be permitted to go over the Jordan; and, when his request was refused, meekly “set his house in order.” His conduct in this instance is eminently worthy of his noble and unselfish character.

18 the spirit. That is, a special communication of His Divine influences.

20 thine honour. The ruling power delegated by God to Moses.

21. Urim. See Exod. xxviii. 30. Urim and Thummim signify light and truth.